McDonald's decisions helped Ericsson into the lead

The team performed best in the light, unpredictable conditions to set the pace on the 6,400m leg ahead of Movistar and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Britain's double Olympic champion Shirley Robertson said McDonald's sail changes in the first hour were key.

She said: "They know they have to make the sail changes, but timing is vital."

Seven yachts set sail from the Spanish port of Vigo but the lack of breeze made for slow progress to the opening mark.

However, as the rain began to fall, the winds arrived and Ericsson, making several sail changes to sneak past Movistar, turned first.

With the wind finally filling their sails, Ericsson began the charge to the first scoring gate at sea.

Robertson added: "Changing sail at the wrong time could lose you half a knot and you're always having to think about that to stay ahead.

"It was really hard for them because the conditions kept changing."

Magnus Olsson, technical director for Ericsson, said: "This will be a big battle. I guess that the three leading boats will stay ahead for the next 12 hours, then everything is open."

Ericsson land opening Volvo blow

Ericsson won the opening in-port race in Galicia last week and lead the standings with 3.5 points from Brasil 1 (3 pts) and Pirates (2.5 pts).

From Cape Town, the fleet then sails eastward round the world in eight more legs, stopping off in Melbourne, Wellington, Rio de Janeiro, Baltimore, New York, Portsmouth, Rotterdam and Gothenburg.